Bell
Biblical References to Bells
The Hebrew Bible mentions bells using two distinct terms. The primary word, pa'amon (פַּעֲמֹן), appears exclusively in the description of the high priest's garments in Exodus 28:33-35 and 39:25-26. These were "gold bells" attached to the hem of the high priest's robe. The secondary term, metsilloth (מְצִלּוֹת), appears in Zechariah 14:20, where it describes objects inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" that will be on horses' harnesses in the future restored Jerusalem. Scholars debate whether metsilloth refers specifically to bells or to ornamental cymbals or buckles.
The High Priest's Bells
The most detailed biblical description comes from the instructions for Aaron's priestly garments. Exodus 28:33-35 commands that alternating golden bells and pomegranate-shaped tassels be sewn onto the hem of the high priest's blue robe. The text explicitly states their purpose: "And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die" (Exodus 28:35). This created an audible signal of the high priest's movement in and out of the Most Holy Place during the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals described in Leviticus 16.
Cultural and Historical Context
Archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East shows small bells were used in various cultures, often as protective amulets or decorative items on clothing and animal harnesses. Egyptian priests wore bells during certain rituals, and Assyrian reliefs depict horses with bells attached to their harnesses. Unlike later Christian practice, ancient Israelites did not use bells to call assemblies to worship. The association of bells with Christian church steeples began much later, traditionally attributed to Bishop Paulinus of Nola in the late 4th century AD.
Symbolism and Interpretation
The bells on the high priest's garment served multiple symbolic functions. Audibly, they announced the priest's holy service before God, creating a connection between sound and sacred action. Theologically, they may have served as a protective measure, the sound testified that the priest was performing his duties correctly, preventing divine judgment. The alternating pattern with pomegranates (symbols of fertility and Torah observance) created a visual and auditory representation of the priest's mediatory role. In Zechariah's prophetic vision (Zechariah 14:20), the inscription on what may be bells or similar objects transforms ordinary items (even horse harnesses) into sacred objects, indicating a future where holiness permeates all of life.
Modern Relevance and Application
While bells play a minor literal role in Scripture, their symbolic significance continues to resonate. They remind believers of the holiness required in approaching God, the importance of Christ's high priestly ministry (Hebrews 4:14-16), and the future hope of a world completely dedicated to God's glory. The auditory nature of bells connects with biblical themes of proclamation and testimony, where faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).
Biblical Context
Bells appear in two primary biblical contexts. In the Torah, golden bells are integral to the high priest's ceremonial garments described in Exodus 28:33-35 and 39:25-26. They create an audible signal during the priest's service in the tabernacle. In prophecy, Zechariah 14:20 mentions objects (possibly bells or cymbals) inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on horses' harnesses in the future restored Jerusalem. The term appears nowhere else in Scripture, making these references particularly distinctive.
Theological Significance
The bells on the high priest's robe teach important theological truths about mediation, holiness, and divine presence. Their sound signaled the priest's movement into God's presence, illustrating the careful approach required before a holy God. This foreshadows Christ's perfect high priesthood (Hebrews 9:11-12), through whom believers now have confident access to God. The connection between sound and survival ("so that he does not die" in Exodus 28:35) underscores the gravity of proper worship. Zechariah's vision points toward eschatological holiness, where even common objects will be consecrated to God.
Historical Background
Archaeological finds from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan include small bronze and gold bells from the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE, often used as ornaments on clothing, horses, or camels. These were typically spherical with a slit opening and contained a small metal pellet. Unlike modern church bells, ancient Near Eastern bells were small (1-3 cm diameter). Extra-biblical texts suggest bells were sometimes considered apotropaic (warding off evil). The specific design of the high priest's bells remains uncertain, though Exodus specifies they were made of gold and alternated with fabric pomegranates.